Podcast explores cancer, our stories, and our communities
Written by: Kayla Crichton, BSc. Project coordinator, Memorial University, St. John’s
How can we better reach out to our community and exchange knowledge about cancer, cancer lived experiences, cancer care and community services, and cancer research? How can we better advocate for the folks, families, and communities affected by cancer and underserved communities? How can we better support our community in Newfoundland and Labrador?
These were some of the questions that the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research worked on answering last year.
As a result, one of the ideas was to create a podcast series. Funded by the Office of Public Engagement at Memorial and supported by NL SUPPORT, the Public Interest Group has started its podcast series in early 2024. Between January and July 2024, the group published 14 podcasts involving ~20 people as either hosts or guests. It has been a delightful experience with a lot of learning, reflection, and effective teamwork.
The project was led by a public partner, Jason Wiseman, and Sevtap Savas, PhD at Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. You can find the podcast on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0dty5nEXGPNOCpp6l3t11I). Read below for a recap of each episode!
Episode 1 — Cancer in NL: A Community’s Reality
In our debut episode, hosts Jason Wiseman, Janine Taylor-Cutting, and Sevtap Savas opened the door to an honest and heartfelt conversation about the prevalence of cancer in NL. With a blend of personal anecdotes and expert insights, they painted a picture of a community deeply affected by this disease. They shared the importance of finding joy and laughter even in the darkest times, reminding us all of the strength and resilience within us. Self-advocacy emerged as a key theme, encouraging listeners to speak up and make informed decisions about their health.
Episode 2 — Embracing Diversity in Cancer Care
James Moriarty’s story was a powerful testament to the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals in the health care system. His journey underscored the need for inclusive and sensitive cancer care. James’s experience highlighted the importance of health care providers being well-versed in the diverse needs of their patients, ensuring that everyone receives the compassionate and respectful care they deserve.
Episode 3 — Unraveling Genetic Mysteries
Derrick Bishop and Dr. Jane Green took us on a deep dive into the world of hereditary cancers and genetic discoveries. Their discussion revealed how advancements in genetic testing and counseling are revolutionizing cancer prevention and treatment. The episode emphasized the critical role of personalized medicine and the importance of having a dedicated health care professional to navigate the complexities of cancer care.
Episode 4 — The Power of Youth Advocacy
Emma and Sophia, two inspiring young leaders from Memorial University, showcased the incredible impact of youth-driven initiatives. Through their involvement in fundraising and awareness campaigns like the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, they demonstrated how grassroots efforts can mobilize communities and fund vital research. Their passion and dedication serve as a beacon of hope for the future of cancer advocacy. They said “There is a future without cancer”, and we believe in them!
Episode 5 — Young Adults and the Cancer Journey
Geoff Eaton’s narrative as a young adult cancer survivor was both poignant and powerful. His advocacy work with Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) highlighted the unique challenges faced by young adults, from social isolation to delayed diagnoses. Geoff’s story underscored the importance of peer support and community programs in fostering resilience and hope among young cancer patients.
Episode 6 — Supporting Childhood Cancer
Alan Winnett provided a window into the world of families coping with childhood cancer. His insights into organizations like Candlelighters NL and initiatives like Camp Delight revealed the profound impact of community-driven support. This episode highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces where pediatric cancer patients and their families can find comfort and solidarity.
Episode 7 — Centering the Patient
Dr. Maisam Najafizada’s exploration of patient-centered care challenged us to rethink how we approach cancer treatment. By prioritizing patient preferences and values, health care can become more personalized and effective. This episode underscored the importance of addressing health care disparities and ensuring that every patient’s voice is heard and respected.
Episode 8 — Raising Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Bonnie Morgan and Alana Walsh-Giovannini, co-founders of Belles with Balls, shared their passionate advocacy for ovarian cancer education and research. Their efforts highlighted the crucial need for early detection and genetic testing. The power of community support and initiatives shone through, demonstrating how collective action can drive significant change.
Episode 9 — The Strength of Lived Experiences
Stephanie Budgell and Janine Taylor-Cutting brought their personal cancer journeys to the forefront, illuminating the challenges and triumphs of navigating cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their stories reinforced the importance of patient advocacy in driving policy changes and improving health care services. Their resilience and determination inspire us all to continue advocating for better cancer care.
Episode 10 — Continuing the Conversation on Transgender Care
James Moriarty and Dr. Joannie Neveu returned to deepen the conversation on cancer care for transgender individuals. They addressed the existing gaps in health care services and the necessity for informed, inclusive care practices. Their dialogue emphasized the need for specialized training for health care providers and policies that respect and support transgender patients.
Episode 11 — The Heart of Caregiving
Tracy’s experience as a caregiver for a family member with colon cancer highlighted the emotional and practical challenges faced by caregivers in NL. Her advocacy work, including the Push for Your Tush event, underscored the vital role of caregivers in the cancer journey. Tracy’s story illustrated the power of community-driven initiatives in raising awareness and providing essential support.
Episode 12 — Indigenous Health Care Services
Ashley Dicker’s insights into the Indigenous Patient Navigator program in NL revealed its critical role in addressing health care disparities and supporting Indigenous peoples with culturally competent care. This episode underscored the importance of culturally safe health care practices and community engagement in improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
Episode 13 — Honoring Dr. Robin McGee
We were deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Robin McGee’s passing. Her advocacy for cancer patients and care in Canada was unparalleled. Janine and Sevtap had the honor of speaking with Robin about her story, advocacy, and cancer coaching services. Her words were impactful, reflecting the raw reality of living with cancer. In the second part of the episode, Sevtap spoke with Hope Gillis, a friend of Robin and a dedicated cancer coach. Their conversation was a testament to Robin’s enduring legacy and the importance of lived experiences in cancer care.
Episode 14 — We are Not Alone
In the last episode of our podcast, we spoke with Mike Kehoe, a long-term survivor of prostate cancer and community member. His messages were crystal clear: we do not need to be alone in this. Cancer is much better treated today than before. We can reach out to others going through or have gone through cancer to connect and share. There is no doubt that Mike’s very well-articulated words filled our hearts with hope and joy.
The Public Interest Group on Cancer Research would like to continue their podcast in 2024–2025 season. If you are interested in being a podcast guest, please contact Sevtap Savas, PhD at savas@mun.ca.
